An Opisthocomus hoazin, or Stinky Turkey, appears to be taking flight at the edge of Heron Lake. It doesn't need to, as their stench drives away predators because they think the bird is rotten or poisonous. Hoatzin smell because of their cow-like fermenting digestive system. It makes the hoatzin both smelly and clumsy, as its enlarged gut makes it difficult to fly.

Amazonian Feather Duster?

Opisthocomus hoazin, or "Stinky" Turkey. #FlyDay #FeatheredFriday

Also @robcrank68.bsky.social's #BirdOfTheDay #ShortBeaks

Heron Lake, Añangu, Ecuador

#photography #originalcontent #nature #wildlife #birds #amazon #amazonia #RioNapo #travel #offthebeatenpath #ecuador

An Opisthocomus hoazin, or Stinky Turkey, sits on branch at the edge of Heron Lake. The bird is up against the rainforest, not moving because he knows it is tough to get close to them. It gets its foul odor from eating toxic plants.

A Turkey Of A Shot

Actually, it's a shot of a "Stinky" Turkey. #BirdOfTheDay #Feathers&Form #FeatheredFriday #FlyDay

Heron Lake, Añangu, Ecuador
🧭 0°29'55.9"S 76°22'00.0"W

#photography #originalcontent #nature #wildlife #amazon #amazonia #RioNapo #Yasuní #travel #offthebeatenpath #ecuador

A pair of small yellow (with black and white) birds, they have some black and white feathers around their heads. One laying in the nest, incubating some precious object, the other is on a branch with green leaves above, and below it. We are in a canoe, paddling along a blackwater canal in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The chicks will hatch the following day: We stayed a respectful distance from the nursery, but their noisy baby shower made their arrival a poorly kept secret.

Two #ShortBeaks

And more on the way @robcrank68.bsky.social. Expectant parents guarding their home. #BirdOfTheDay #ColorADay #YellowThur

Añangu, Ecuador
🧭 0°30'3" S 76°21'55" W

#photography #originalcontent #nature #wildlife #amazon #amazonia #RioNapo #Yasuní #travel #offthebeatenpath #ecuador

A pair of Crested Owls sit on a branch, watching our every move. It amazes me what is hidden in plain sight as we hike under the lush canopy. This shot a fairly close range, 400 mm, no crop.

Welcome to Hooters!

Crested Owls encountered hiking in the lush Amazon jungle adjacent to Heron Lake. #BirdOfTheDay #QuietObservers

Añangu, Ecuador
🧭0°29'20.5"S 76°22'31.4"W

#photography #originalcontent #nature #wildlife #amazon #amazonia #owls #RioNapo #Yasuní #travel #offthebeatenpath #ecuador

A black Anhinga, or Snakebird as it's known due to its sleek, long neck. It sits on a light coloured branch at the edge of a lake. The bokeh provides an almost "painted" texture to the lush green vegetation in the background.

Thinking About #FlyDay …or just flying away

Anhinga (Snakebird) at the edge of Heron Lake in Ecuador's Amazon Basin. #BirdOfTheDay #OpenWings

Añangu, Ecuador
🧭 0°30'00.4"S 76°21'56.3"W

#photography #originalcontent #nature #wildlife #amazon #amazonia #RioNapo #travel #offthebeatenpath #ecuador

#Birding #Ecuador sailing down the #RioNapo from the town of Coca (✈️) into #Yasuni NP: 610sp, Hoatzin, Zigzag Heron, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Lanceolated Monklet, Paradise Tanager, Amazonian Motmot; cabins with air-con & private bathroom, excursion boats; Jun-Jul floods 🦜

A pair of yellow (with black and white) birds, one sitting in a nest. The other is on a branch with green leaves above, and below it. We are in a canoe (type) boat, paddling along a blackwater canal in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The chicks will hatch the next day.

Waiting for the stork

Expectant parents staying close to home. The chicks hatch the next day. #SundayYellow #SilentSunday

Añangu, Ecuador
🧭 0°30'3" S 76°21'55" W

#photography #originalcontent #nature #wildlife #amazon #amazonia #RioNapo #Yasuní #travel #TRLT #offthebeatenpath #ecuador

One of the toughest people I've ever met. Rocio is a role-model for young women and girls in the Ecuadorian Amazon @eden_amazon #Ecuador #Amazon #Naturalist #Kichwa #Guide #RioNapo

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